Saints shut out Crusaders

St Helens coasted to a 30-0 win over Celtic Crusaders to maintain their four-point cushion at the top of the Super League table.

First-half tries from Lee Gilmour, Paul Wellens, Tony Puletua and Matt Gidley helped Saints open up a 24-point cushion by the break.

They failed to find the same kind of attacking form in the second 40 minutes, only adding one more score through youngster Chris Dean.

Sean Long was on target with all five of his conversion attempts to complete a perfect night's work for Mick Potter's side.

Top v bottom

Missing several of their leading players through injury, the Crusaders always seemed to be on a hiding to nothing as bottom took on top in the table.

However, the top-flight newcomers began brightly, putting on pressure on their illustrous opponents in the early exchanges.

Unable to turn their possession into points, they were then forced to weather a storm - though they did battle on bravely right through to the final hooter.

It took Saints 16 minutes to wake up from their slumber, Leon Pryce collecting Long's perfect pass before offloading for Gilmour to burst over.

Not content with his early assist, stand-off Pryce played the creative role again when he broke through the first line of defence and then passed on to Wellens.

The full-back just about managed to reach the try-line despite the desperate attempts of Ste Tyrer, who is currently on loan to the Crusaders from St Helens.

Puletua powered his way over after good work from James Roby and Long just before the half-hour mark and a fourth try followed before the interval.

Australian centre Gidley squeezed his way over in the corner, leaving Long a difficult kick that he superbly slotted over from a tough angle.

Quiet half

With such a commanding advantage it was no surprise to see Saints take their foot off the accelerator in the second half.

They should have had a fifth try just two minutes in but Ade Gardner somehow managed to knock the ball on with the line at his mercy.

Playing for pride, the Crusaders defended stoutly and looked set to keep their opponents at bay until six minutes from the finish.

Young centre Dean showed impressive strength to burrow his way over in the left corner, Long converting from out wide again to complete the scoring.